March 2015

March 30, 2015

Minor league players have received a ton of fan and media support for a lawsuit filed last year against Major League Baseball. That support has extended to the muscle of union workers.

Big League Stew writer Mark Townsend reported today that the United Food and Commercial Workers union showed up at four different spring training games this coming weekend to raise awareness about the treatment of minor league players. They plan on handing out literature to educate fans arriving at the games. Included in the report was the financial reality for minor leaguers: they make roughly $3,000 to $7000 to play for five months of playing time and must take winter jobs in order to continue playing professionally during the regular season.

A lawsuit involving 34 former minor leaguers, and led by former MiLBer, now attorney Garrett Broshius (PHOTO, Steve Truesdell), was filed to pursue fairer pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The success of their efforts has always seemed like a completely uphill battle, with MLB not appearing to have any interest in making changes. The fact that minor league players have no union behind them is part of the problem. That organization's footwork on behalf of MiLB players is a huge statement. And fans that might not have a vested interest, or incorrectly believe all baseball players are wealthy, could be persuaded to show their support as well. If they stopped and considered the fact that MLB average team worth is up 48 percent, to $1.2 billion, perhaps they'd feel differently about the wages minor leaguers are paid.

March 25, 2015

Ryan Westmoreland's story is as well-known as his seemingly endless positive attitude. In 2010 the top Red Sox prospect, who was drafted in the 5th round of the 2008 MLB Draft, underwent brain surgery. He committed to rehabilitation and shared his journey via social media. He updated fans eager to see him return to form, and did so with a powerfully uplifting message of hope and resilience. When he suffered setbacks, he shared them. When he made strides, he celebrated with Red Sox Nation and all those following his progress. Finally, in 2013, he officially announced his retirement. Westmoreland was a player everyone could root for, reminding baseball fans the true spirit of athletic pursuit. He wouldn't play, but he found a way to remain a tough-minded, laser-focused athlete, the same as any guy on the field trying to build a career. Now, he's channeling those gifts into coaching and it's excellent news. It's even more excellent to learn that he's doing so by returning to coach for Portsmouth High School, where he began and caught the attention of baseball scouts. Great new chapter to the Ryan Westmoreland story.

March 21, 2015

If you write about prospects and the minor leagues, keeping your coverage well-rounded is important. Prospect lists and awards are a popular part of any minor league website. But ask yourself why you want to contribute those types of stories.

Independent writers have the option to decide, while writers connected to newspapers and bigger websites have different expectations for their work. Don’t feel pressured to join the pack. And don’t assume a responsibility that you might not sincerely have a strong grasp of.

It’s easy to analyze the numbers of the top prospects in any system. But keep in mind that there’s a lot of research and firsthand knowledge required to decide those rankings And it’s the reason they’re so trusted and respected.
Here’s a few questions to consider:

Are you offering a unique point of view?

If you observe any of the most highly regarded annual prospect lists, they are written by leading voices in the industry. They have something to say because this is their area of expertise. As mentioned, the scouting information they have access to is a huge part of their work.

If you feel passionate about rankings or post-season awards, go for it. Find a way to deepen your work as an independent writer. Readers appreciate coverage that is independent of, say, MLB.com or a newspaper. I simply urge you not to throw up a prospect ranking list just based on stats.

Consider putting a staff together just for prospect ranking lists. If you have a few people working on any lists of that nature, you can diversify and strengthen the results. Can you set aside a small budget annually to hire a few writers just to work on the rankings who are attending games? Even better if they’re credentialed, so that they can talk to coaches and managers, and scouts will be comfortable sharing some information. Most of the time when I approach a scout at a minor league game, they ask for credentials, so keep that in mind.
Do you have enough authority on players to rank them?
The importance of seeing players in person, multiple times, is preferable. Video and numbers can only tell you so much.

I’ve had a few experiences with post-season awards, and for the most part I was writing about a league or team I covered. I came up with Rays MiLB post-season awards in 2014 that was based in part on observation of players I’d covered, mixed with statistical analysis. There’s something to be said for also having strong expertise, and not necessarily see every player being ranked. Consider those lists carefully. Certain prospect lists you can trust to genuinely inform. Others are fun to read. Debating with readers can be part of the fun. You can take that approach and have a good time with it, and no one is going to fault you for giving your opinion.

No matter what, the key element to a solid prospect list or post-season honors is how much first-hand knowledge you have. And how much time on research you’ve invested. When fans read those stories, they will debate your point of view. Having confidence in your voice comes from developing it from personal experience. As time went on, I spoke up when editors disagreed with certain observations and readers disagreeing didn’t intimidate me. That self-assurance comes from knowing you’re an authority on the subject.

Does that content fit what readers expect of you?

I’ve never felt a great need to do rankings, but I also never got the sense that my readers felt a need for me to do them. I gained readers through features, interviews and game coverage. I knew what my lane was. Later, I’d learn how to track what stories were most popular with readers, which helped me understand what people were looking for. I don’t tailor what I write to what readers want. The point of a blog is creative freedom. But I don’t try to be anything I’m not. I explore the landscape, but stick with what I know and love.

Every blog and website has a different drive, a different focus. Regular readers know what they’re going to get and it’s why they keep returning. When readers go on my blog, they expect a variety of MiLB coverage. I would expect a blog or site that focuses on one team or league to offer some sort of rankings list at one point, and more than likely post-season honors.

It’s all about understanding what content your readers expect and trust.

Can you take a more creative approach?

There’s so much possibility. And some of the ideas you could brainstorm might seem less interesting than a straight up prospect list; but wouldn’t you rather create something unique that won’t get lost in the crowd?

What if you had awards for best between-inning entertainment? Best Instagram photos of the year by minor league players? Or teams? If you want to focus on player performance, try to focus on one team that you can concentrate your coverage on. I’ve done post-season awards for the Eastern League, Rays minor league players, and the New York Penn League. With the NYPL Awards, I came up with fun awards that weren’t about individual performance, including one that focused on an overall team’s social media strength.

I began the MiLB Twitter Twenty in 2011; the annual list honors the best minor league player accounts. I added Honorable Mentions and that has also grown through the years. I like to highlight as many accounts as possible and make it fun for everyone reading. When I initially started, I saw a void. There wasn’t a lot of attention being paid to minor league player accounts on Twitter, so it was a prime time to create something focused on that area of social media.

There’s a lot of ways you can engage your fans with that type of pre-season or end-of-season content. Explore your own possibilities in order to contribute something genuine.

Bottom Line: You don’t have to mix prospect lists and post-season awards into your minor league coverage, but don’t assume you have nothing original to contribute…Rather than just pulling info from others and analyzing stats, see players in person and form your own opinion…Try something different from the multitude of prospect lists out there…Focus on a league or team you can observe multiple times throughout the season…If you’re independent, value your voice; but do as much solid research as possible to create solid ranking lists and post-season awards.

March 13, 2015

The professional baseball dream began, but not with a lot of turbulence for Brent Honeywell.

After being drafted in the 2nd round by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014 out of Walters State Community College (Tennessee), the righty pitcher was assigned to Rookie League Princeton. There, he found his way quickly.

"It wasn't much of a challenge. I thought it would be more challenging than that. But I can't make them move me any faster. I was comfortable in that league."

Very comfortable according to the numbers. He finished 2014 with a 1.07 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 33 innings of work. He allowed just 6 walks.

In the early part of his first Spring Training Honeywell, 19, is in the raw stages of getting into the zone. But he already sees changes.

"Yesterday was my first live BP. I'm getting back to the feel of it. I'm focused on that. I've come back a little crisper with my pitches. Especially working the breaking ball and curve ball."

As the son of former professional player Brent who spent a few years in the 80's in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, he learned important lessons firsthand. But he also learned from the wisdom of Walters State pitching coach Joey Seaver, now a coach in the Red Sox organization.

"My confidence grew a lot in college. I had one of the best pitching coach's in college other than my dad. My dad told me, 'I'm not grooming you to be a good minor league pitcher, but the best major league pitcher'."

The decision to attend Walters State was one Honeywell weighed with careful consideration. The Georgia native wasn't mowing them down with a power arm, but he knew his strengths and was ready to improve any weaknesses. The teachable kind of player scouts want to find.

"I had to prove myself in college. I had the option of a four-year school or junior college. I thought if I go to a junior college, I really have to stand out. My screwball drew a lot of people in. I had a lot of strikeouts in college. But I had to do a lot of stuff to get seen, especially in the fall", he said.

What he lacked, he saw a prime opportunity to develop. Perhaps he was overlooked in high school due to a lack of velocity, but he accepted the challenge as his college career began. It took combining the important teachings of his father and trusting his entire repertoire.

"I came into college with good off-speed stuff. I didn't have a power arm in high school. I didn't have a fastball like I do now. My dad forced me to use my off-speed stuff behind and ahead in the count."

2014 was an experience in improving the all-important fastball. According to several reports, his fastball sits 91-93 mph.

"[I most improved]locating the fastball. They made me throw it a lot this year," he said. "Being a starter, you gotta have it. I've got a changeup in any count. But locating the fastball, that's the best pitch in baseball."

This past winter, he had a variety of areas that he devoted his time to. Expanding his offerings is high on the list of what he wants to show this season.

"I've focused this off-seaon on getting stronger, getting bigger, and having quicker feet for pick-offs. I'm working on developing my curveball also. I have two out pitches- the changeup and fastball. The fastball guys chase. But a third pitch would make one heck of a difference. Being able to throw the breaking ball for strikes. It's a lot better now."

As he prepares for the next big leap in his pro career, he's motivated by everything his father contributed to his development as a person and player.

"He taught me how to use the fastball. He still prepares me in every way. He's taught me that, even in the off-season, baseball is an everyday thing."

March 10, 2015

This week is #NOMOREWeek, devoted to raising awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault and it's also the start of mandated education by Major League Baseball on the issue of domestic abuse. This spring marks the first year that MLB has done that and it's just the beginning. They're currently working on a much-anticipated Domestic Violence Policy, which is expected to go into effect later this year.

"Not just with players, but society in general," said Michael Cuddyer to NJ.com. "It's not just something that you talk about with your buddies. It is extremely beneficial."

Here are other links to early reports from other MLB camps regarding the educational counseling, as well as players' reaction.

"Their dual commitment to these issues reminds everyone that violence against women and children affects all of us, and that we can all be part of the solution." Esta Soler, the organization's president.

“A lot of it you already know, but it was actually reinforcing that you don’t do certain things and how damaging it is to not only yourself but those who are hurt in these types of situations.” Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez

March 08, 2015

When I initially wrote this piece in November of 2013, my intentions were to do something I felt called to and also to begin a series that others could contribute to. After responses began pouring in, I realized that the personal aspect of sharing the story was guiding my purpose for sharing it. While I'd still like to allow guest bloggers a platform to share 'How baseball inspires their life', I'm no longer afraid of this being a platform I stand firmly on. At the time, I was also trying to make the blog more inclusive. Since then, I've returned to the basics: the blog is my voice and that's how I gained a following. Why not stick with that and grow in other ways?

In the two years that have followed I've gotten involved in more fundraising for the cause of domestic violence prevention and education for Break The Cycle. I've also written extensively on this blog about the importance of MLB creating a Domestic violence Policy, something that is currently still being developed. I trust that a decision will be made soon and look forward to that day.

There was a lot that I held back when sharing the story, particularly the physical pain I still suffer. It's difficult for me to address that part of it, but I've done so by also writing about the experience for a yoga website, and how yoga has helped to heal my body. I don't know if I'll ever fully heal from the damage I suffered in the attack, but it's something that I try to think of as a reminder of all I can survive. And it's kind of funny and symbolic that I'm known as 'Heels on the Field'. I'm obviously able to tough out a lot if I live my life in heels! SMILE

As we celebrate International Women's Day and No More Week (another organization I'm involved with via social media), I decided to share this story again. The smallest thing you do matters in contributing to the cause of ending domestic violence and sexual assault in the United States and around the world. While this is a uniquely female problem, it's also a human issue. Please remember that.

Here is the original intro and story.

...I've kept my life private, intensely guarding every aspect. I feel the same as ever. But I began to hear a kind of calling to share something with readers, whoever might be reading, that might be inspiring. We all have our stories that led us to our place in life. Moments that made us stronger or put us on a path that changed our lives forever. Baseball, sports in general, are about the person and what they're working toward, what they've overcome, and moments that defined their journey. Even when I'm covering a game, I understand that a quote revealing something about the person in a crucial moment in the game is the story.

And so, I open this to the world. For you to know what brought me to this and what fuels my strength...

One slam of a fist.

I don't remember much else after that.

It felt as if I'd left my body. I could hear my screaming, but the voice didn't seem to be mine. I can still see the walls spinning around me and the hotness of tears pouring out. But I was above it, removed, watching, and stunned.

The pain was so excruciating and the brutality of my boyfriend's actions so unexpected, but despite the severity of the moment, what I remember most was a hard knot forming in my stomach. I was changing in that moment, but didn't understand that's what was happening. I would never be the same. How much good would come from that would not become clear to me for a long time.

The next thing I remember is being on a table with lights in my face. And I remember the hardness of disbelief and suppressed anger making that knot tighten. Through the weeks of physical therapy, of being on crutches, and trying to climb the steps at school, I disconnected from my spirit. The girl that loved life, dancing, baseball, that loved to get the laugh in class and at parties, the caretaker that loved to be the shoulder to cry on, was gone. My faith had been broken. I wanted to be left alone. To sit quietly and not be bothered. I didn't want to go anywhere and stared at the wall, unreachable. My universe shrunk to a small dark place I wanted to stay in. I had no sense of my own strength. He'd convinced me I was worthless, to blame, and didn't deserve better.

I wasn't a naive girl. Growing up (in a city outside of Philly known for crime, I might add), my life wasn't ideal and I experienced a lot of difficulty. But this was different. A kind of break happened in me. I'd always overcome anything that came my way. Nothing ever took me out. My spirit always seemed to carry me, to be lit by being creative and I never, ever, stopped being a girl that loved to love. This time, I had.

Sure, I tried to stand up to him, but I stayed. I won't say I'm ashamed, because that's just how lost I was. After he got arrested for theft (what was I a chick on 'Cops?'), I tried to move on. But he'd call and threaten to kill me. I want to find the joke here, because it's what I tend to do, but it was horrific. To this day, I suffer from nerve damage in my right leg, tailbone, and foot. I was scared for a long time that he would find me to act out his threats.

Fear and self-loathing are the enemy here, not that guy, because ultimately, his presence in my life was to teach me something I didn't know, to lead me toward the person I was meant to become.

A few years down the road, going through different life experiences, I found myself pulled in the direction I'd always been going, to be a professional writer. And for reasons I couldn't fully explain, I knew I wanted to write about baseball. I had no idea how the abuse I'd overcome would play a part in that.

Dealing with baseball players, and, in my case, mostly minor leaguers, many of whom just graduated college or high school, you learn quickly how tough and tenacious you need to be. You have to have a healthy, dirty sense of humor and let things bounce right off you. If you're easily offended or scared, it's not the place for you, and especially not as a girl.

But as I went through the experience of growing as a writer, and covering games, what I was really doing was letting go of the past. Every time I walked into the clubhouse some players insulted me, made sexual remarks, laughing at me, and talked about my being allowed in there, I was exorcising a dark demon. I was proving to myself each time that I deserved respect. I felt my strength growing every moment I faced them. It was a challenge to go in the clubhouse and I wanted it. I wanted to show that I could take it, that I could take anything they did and said. Looking back, I didn't know then why I was so driven. I know now. Whenever players look at me and try to take me down in any way, a light turns on in me. I've been weakened to a beaten down girl that couldn't walk for months. You can't turn me into her again.

I didn't know baseball would be where I would find my voice. Where I would connect with so many people. And I had no idea I would inspire girls. Many come up to me, email, or tweet and say I'm a role model. This year, after being asked to talk to a group of girls aspiring to be sports journalists at Boston University, I realized something in my life had come to pass. At the moment that request came through, I actually needed reminding of why I was doing what I was.

Our faith needs to be restored again and again. We lose our way. People fail us. We fail and have to get right back up. Not always easy. But when you see the pain you've experienced as fuel, leading you to who you're meant to be and where you're meant to go, it's an incredible feeling.

That dark moment is with me still. But now, it's my light.

When I do this job, I'm doing something from a place in my heart that I've never been able to express. It's my spirit lifting off, achieving a goal bigger than me, telling players stories is my love and writing about the greatest game is my passion. Walking through fear, after what I survived, is the deeper meaning of the life I've chosen.

Please feel free to share your story ideas with me at heelsonthefield11@gmail.com.

March 02, 2015

Replacing a Yankees icon like Derek Jeter is no easy task, but Didi Gregorius isn't going to let it affect his preparation for the upcoming season.

“I am going to play the game, that’s all. What Jeter did nobody else can do," Gregorius said, via the New York Post. “If they compare me to Jeter, there is nothing I can do. It’s my choice if I want to get it in my head."

And just like that, Gregorious ended the Jeter narrative.
Just kidding. No, it'll go on. But the young player clarified his focus to the New York Post in the most respectful, mature way he could have. Showing just how much he is like Jeter. Oh, there we go again...
As camp begins and the Yankees face the Alex Rodriguez media super soaker, the other story of Gregorious future impact fires up as well. Saying the Yankees are at a crossroads probably sounds hokey and the term overused. But that can't be overstated. Arguably the most popular player in their history has retired, and Rodriguez returns to see what he can make of this new chapter. A prospect of Gregorious caliber creates a number of stories, but the 'replacing Jeter' aspect is only part of it. The team has had their issues through the years with developing prospects. But the incredible rise of reliever Dellin Betances last year, combined with the possibility of Gregorious future, suggests many exciting possibilities. Gregorious statement kicks things off on the right foot.Yan